Getting your wisdom teeth out is a rite of passage for many young adults — and it does not have to be the ordeal you might imagine. With the right preparation and aftercare, most patients recover comfortably within 3-5 days.
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours are the most important for healing. Bite gently on gauze pads to control bleeding, changing them every 30-45 minutes until bleeding slows. Apply ice packs to the outside of your cheeks for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to minimize swelling. Rest, avoid strenuous activity, and do not rinse your mouth vigorously.
What to Eat
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. Yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soup (not too hot) are all good choices. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods. Avoid using a straw — the suction can dislodge the blood clot (causing dry socket), which is the most common complication of extraction.
Pain and Swelling Management
Take pain medications as prescribed or recommended. Ibuprofen is often very effective for dental pain and also reduces inflammation. Swelling typically peaks at 48-72 hours and then gradually improves. Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights to help reduce swelling.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Contact our Calgary dental office right away if you experience: severe, worsening pain after the first 3 days (may indicate dry socket), fever above 38C, excessive bleeding that does not respond to pressure, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or significant swelling that continues to worsen after 72 hours. These are signs that warrant professional evaluation.